'Suicide cases increased among paramilitary personnel', Home Ministry presented shocking figures in Parliament

The steps being taken by some central paramilitary personnel on topics like suicide. The rate too has gone up rapidly in recent times and the Home Ministry informed this through a written reply in Rajya Sabha. As many as 730 personnel have taken their own lives in the last five years.

This may be considered the outcome of very long duties, not getting enough sleep time, and spending less time with their family. Because of all these reasons many personnel have also been resigning or going on voluntary retirements.

According to the data provided by the Home Ministry in the Rajya Sabha, about 55,000 personnel have given voluntary retirement or resignation in the last 5 years. At the same time, personal troubles are considered to be the main reason for suicide.

A task force was appointed for the study of this subject. It was found that roughly 80 percent of the soldiers having committed suicide had returned from leave.

According to the task force report, 'The main reason for suicide among soldiers is the death of husband or wife, death of a family member, marital dispute or divorce, financial difficulties, lack of adequate educational opportunities for children.'

The Home Ministry said 'To reduce this, a provision of 100 days leave in a year has been made, so that the soldiers get an opportunity to spend more time with their family. So far 42,797 have also taken advantage of the facility.'

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha that till October this year alone, about 6302 soldiers have spent 100 days with their families. This figure was 8,636 in 2023 and 7,864 in 2021.

It is supposed to make necessary measures in order for the cases of suicide committed by the soldiers to be prevented. Some suggestions have also been given for it, including keeping the officer in constant communication with the soldiers, regulating the work hours, giving proper rest, and improving the standard of living.

Apart from this, it has also been observed that cases of suicide are fewer among female soldiers as compared to male soldiers. It is believed that men are afraid to share their problems due to fear of being ridiculed and due to this suicidal thoughts stat arising in them.

The task force has sought the development of a transparent system with regard to leaves. The inability to get promotion on time is yet another morale depressant, it is mentioned, hence there is an essential need to revise promotion policies.